SAN DIEGO — Toby Whithouse met with reporters at the 2010 San Diego Comic-con about his series, “Being Human.”

We asked Whithouse about the series’ journey and what to expect from season three, which is currently in production. For those who have not stayed up-to-date with the series, the last question will include spoilers about the end of Season two and the beginning of Season three.

QUESTION: There have been a lot of questions and concerns about the upcoming American version of "Being Human." As the creator of the series, how was this presented to you, and what are your thoughts on it paralleling the original?

TOBY WHITHOUSE: The notion of an American version came up so long ago. The thing about television is that the process is so unbelievably slow. So it was mentioned, probably after season one in the U.K. …I felt (I would) believe it when I saw it because it’s the kind of thing that gets (mentioned) occasionally to a lot of different shows. So I was skeptical about it, but then gradually more and more over time it became assured.

My involvement with the (American) show is very minimal, but I can honestly say I’m not too bothered by that because as you know we’re halfway through filming season three…I’m still writing season three literally while I’m still here in San Diego. I’m getting up in the morning, and writing their deaths….that’s a bit of a spoiler, I suppose. (smiles) Consequently, that’s a 24/7 job getting the U.K. version right. Also, the other thing, the SyFy guys know the market better than I do, so I’m happy to let them get on with it.
Personally, I’m looking forward to sitting there, and watching it as a fan. I’m excited about it.

Q: For the people who have seen the second season, what can you hint out about season three? Will it pick up where it left off or will some time have passed?

TW: I think there are a couple of weeks between each season. Well, what I can say is in season one the threat was supernatural in the form of Herrick, season two the threat is human, season three the threat comes from within.

Q: How far ahead do you have plan for season three?

TW: Well the thing is it’s really difficult in the U.K. because I know in the U.S. you can option your actors for four or five seasons. In the U.K we just don’t have the finance to do that really. So it’s kind of a nail-biting, nerve-wracking moment as we get to the end of each season. We begin to think, "Who are we going to have?" We’ve got this extraordinary cast, and we’re very blessed they’ve come back for three seasons. It’s impossible to plan any further or advanced than that (per season.) And every time we start a new season, the negotiations begin again.

Q: Are there going to be more supernatural elements added to the series?

TW: I must admit over the years people have said to me, and I’ve got friends of mine saying it too, "Oh God, you know what you need on the show? A witch! Or a zombie! Or a fairy!" So we got witch, zombie, and fairy…we never had a policy decision there wouldn’t be any other creatures. We just really couldn’t think of one…

In season three, for one night only, there is another creature. And the reason we decided, and felt we could do it is because thought of the "Being Human" way of doing it.

Q: Any of the creatures you mentioned? How far into the season?

TW: Hmmm….maybe. It will be in episode three (of season three.)

Q: There’s also a little attraction there between Annie and Mitchell

TW: I can’t possibly comment…but yeah, I think so. Perhaps tragically, there’s an element in Mitchell that would fit into Annie’s relationship history. She has not exactly made good choices. So yeah, why not go for a 120 year old mass murderer? It’s the next logical step after dating the guy who killed you.

Q: On that topic, Mitchell can experience physical love. How far can Annie?

TW: Um…well, they kissed once. All I’m going to say is episode four, season three. All the answers are there or maybe you’ll be answered with more questions.

WARNING: *SPOILER* SEASON TWO and THREE — If you have not seen the entire second season the following answer may reveal some spoiler information.

Q: We asked the cast this question but it’s as appropriate for you since you’re the writer. There’s been much speculation that Annie and Mitchell’s relationship is closer because of their association with death. Is there some truth to that? In the season two finale, there was a very guttural reaction between them. What are your thoughts on it?

TW: Well…this isn’t much of a spoiler but there is a line in the first episode of season three. We end season two with Annie trapped on the other side and Mitchell declaring he’s going to go and get her. And there’s a moment in the beginning of season three where they’re discussing this … George is nervous about Mitchell doing this and he says, "This is death. This is life and death we’re talking about…these things shouldn’t be messed with." And Mitchell says, "Me and Annie are already dead. It doesn’t get more messed with than that." I think you’re right, I think there is a connection between them on the basis of that…and also it’s the fact that both of them are going to exist forever in the state that they are … I think the notion of eternity screaming in front of them, which is quite a terrifying prospect, unites them.

SAN DIEGO — Mitchell is a vampire with a bit of a feeding problem, George is a werewolf still learning to control his inner beast, and Annie is a spirited ghost waiting for death’s door. All three supernatural beings of BBC3 series "Being Human" live in an apartment in Bristol, England; unbeknown to the world which fears them. Although the premise description appears rather weak on paper, the script developed and written by its creator Toby Whithouse is brilliant onscreen.

Yes, it’s about three very common creatures within the horror genre but Whithouse’s creative aptitude for witty dialogue and complex stories makes it stand apart from the competition. Because underneath the surface, the heart of the series truly relates to very human, universal, themes: the need for companionship, love, and friendship as well as the fear of the unknown.

The first season aired in 2008 and set the foundation for its mythology. Viewers were led into the everyday world which mirrored itself to be more mundane than magical. George (Russell Tovey) and Mitchell (Aidan Turner) both work at a hospital as orderlies by day. While their latest flatmate Annie, a ghost, (Lenora Crichlow) keeps herself busy performing routine chores — one of which includes making plenty of tea. Of course, the flipside surfaces as George’s inability to accept his "beast" becomes further complicated when he falls in love with a doctor, Nina Pickering played by Sinead Keenan. In addition to Annie hunts for answers concerning her death, Mitchell’s conflict with the vampire council reaches critical mass especially with William Herrick. By the end of its first season "Being Human" established a set of boundaries, and reflected the important relationship Annie, George, and Mitchell have as a group.

This second season follows the aftermath of Herrick’s demise, and explores a more menacing, human, threat. The risks are greater, and the danger more harrowing with lots of surprises and challenges to keep viewers hooked for the next several weeks. Luckily, Blast was able to meet with series creator Toby Whithouse and the cast of "Being Human" (Aidan Turner, Russell Tovey, Lenora Crichlow, and Sinead Keenan) during their visit at the annual San Diego Comic Con this July to discuss the show’s development and answer questions.

QUESTION: What did you guys first think of the script, considering it was about a vampire, a werewolf, and a ghost who all live together?

RUSSELL TOVEY: I first thought it sounded like a kids show…it didn’t seem as it was going to work but then you read it and find out it’s much much more. The levels on the show are much more human than they are supernatural. It’s a big part of the selling point which is why so many people connect to it.

SINEAD KEENAN: The cross everyone has to bear is quite incidental. It’s about their relationships.

LENORA CRICHLOW: These characters were all originally written as very human characters. Toby had developed them to a (higher) degree as human beings. Then the supernatural air kind of just lent itself. All the supernatural elements in "Being Human" are deep rooted, and can be easily drawn back to human traits, human conditions. All of that is very evident in the script…

I thought either this (the script) is really clever because I drew all the parallels — they were there on the page – and you think "ah that’s such a different way of approaching all the relationships with the dynamic of the flatshare…" (or) maybe I had read too much into it. So when I went into my audition and asked (about the direction) and they said yes I thought it was really interesting.

AIDAN TURNER: It was such a novice idea but it came out so original. It’s the most basic supernatural idea possible. Toby has created this show which stands on its own which is really cool.

QUESTION: Speaking of that supernatural element, some of the show’s fans speculate that the connection between Annie and Mitchell has a lot to do with their associations with death. For viewers who have seen the entire second season, it’s suggests it even more. What do you think about that theory?

LC: Annie and Mitchell? Yeah, I suppose it is—

AT: Dunno, Annie’s hot that’s what it is (laughs) well from Mitchell’s point of view anyway.

LC: Well that helps (laughs) Annie’s beautifully, fantastically, wonderfully fit! Mitchell is…he’s alright under the right light. But I think their connection is deeper than that…I think they’re both very stuck, and they don’t age. They each got such individual and different fights.

AT: It’s a stability thing because she’s not going anywhere.

LC: And Annie sees the good in you (Mitchell.)

AT: And a lot of people don’t see the good in Mitchell. I think Mitchell needs just that (stability,) he’s been running for so long from this problem, this disease that he has, and suddenly he moves in with this wolf which is something he would have never done before. And I think Annie in a lot of ways is the anchor in the house because she doesn’t go anywhere. She’s such a nurturing person, and that’s exactly what Mitchell needs. He needs someone to look after him because he doesn’t have anybody else. So I think he’s naturally sort of drawn to the character of Annie, almost immediately.

LC: But I think that’s true of all of their relationships…because there really isn’t — if they check into it — anything to live for because they got these things (their supernatural qualities) forever. Annie could, quite understandably, not get out of bed in the morning. No matter how much she grows and develops she’s still stuck. Same with Mitchell, he’s always going to have the lust (for blood,) George is always going to have his once a month deal going on. So for them, I think they feel like it’s for each other. They have to end up, showing up, for each other.

RT: It’s kind of codependent—

LC: Yeah, a codependent nightmare.

RT: Like an endless dream.

LC: They get up for each other, they give each other reason to stay close together; close to humanity.

QUESTION: Speaking of codependent, the angst between Nina and George, the werewolves, is strong. At the start of the second season it’s dealt with head on. What has that been like working together?

SK: We were very lucky, from an acting point of view. Toby is a great writer, and literally it was just a gift of a scene; the scenes we had in the first episode (of the second season.) If the writing is good, you don’t even have to work on it. You work a little, but the job is reduced hugely. Thank God for Toby, he’s a great writer. Then working with that fella (looks over to Russell Tovey) is fantastic.

RT: I was thinking about this…and you got to know your lines, basically. By that I mean, you can know your lines, and then you can know your lines. If you’ve got big scenes like that, and you know your lines? You can explore. Because if you don’t? You’ll be in the moment and go "what’s my line?" I think that’s a lot harder of a job you give yourself as an actor; especially on this (show) because the dynamic can go anywhere.

LC: I love watching Nina and George scenes, and the thing that stood out for me in episode one (second season) is that they’re listening to each other. I think with actors, especially on tv, there’s such a turnover and you do know your lines; you know your character but then sometimes you forget to listen to each other and let that motivate and move you.

QUESTION: Some fans want to know about Annie and Mitchell’s relationship. With the end of the second season leaving many questions, how complicated will their relationship be in season three?

AT: In the second (season) Mitchell has a lot of things to deal with…love and relationships wouldn’t be at the top of his list. He’s got to sort some stuff out first. He’s got to make sure his mates don’t get killed…I don’t know, maybe by the third season, you never know…

LC: I think in the end (of season two) it really hits home for all of them, just how much they need each other…and just how much one without the other has no point. The idea of Annie passing over, George being killed, and losing Mitchell to the dark world of vampires…it’s gone, the house (household) is gone.

AT: I think the boys, especially, realize how much they need her.

LC: But it’s complicated but complicated doesn’t mean impossible.

AT: It could work.

LC: It could work.

AT: We could make it work.

LC: Totally!

“Pit Bulls and Parolees” premieres tonight at 10 on Animal Planet. On Sunday, look for Dr. Drew’s sex rehab show on VH1 at 10 p.m., and another reality program, “Styl’d” to start off on MTV at the same time.

NBC is canceling its brand new drama, “Trauma,” with the production stopping after the initial 13-episode order. NBC has not said whether or not it will even air the remaining episodes. NBC did order six new mid-season episodes of “Chuck,” so it’s not all bad news. This expands the season to 19 episodes. “Chuck” was originally going to open after the Winter Olympics, but it may come sooner.

ABC announced that “Scrubs” will premiere with two episodes on December 1 at 9 p.m. The regular time period will be Tuesdays at 9. “Better Off Ted” will premiere December 8, and will regularly follow “Scrubs” at 9:30.

Syfy ordered 13 new episodes of “Being Human,” an American port of a British series based on three roomates — a ghost, vampire and werewolf — who lead double lives. The show will premiere in the summer.

Finally on this Friday, we know that NBC is working on a “Monk” ripoff with a few twists. Variety reported that a washed up magician with agoraphobia will be approached by an elite law enforcement group to use his talents to solve the hard cases.

Following the tradition of “Buffy” versus “Twilight,” BBC America is premiering its new show “Being Human” July 25 at 9 p.m. Eastern and Pacific time.

The show follows the secret double-lives of three 20-somethings who also happen to be a werewolf, a vampire and a ghost. Starring Russell Tovey (“Doctor Who,” “The History Boys”) as werewolf George, Lenora Crichlow (“Sugar Rush,” “Doctor Who”) as ghost Annie and Aidan Turner (“The Clinic”) as vampire Mitchell, the threesome must deal with their monstrous selves, unwelcome intruders and the trials and tribulations of being in your mid-20s.

Below are synopses of the first six episodes, spoilers included:

Episode one

As the series begins, the three friends seem to be having a somewhat normal life. Ghost Annie is buoyed by the fact she’s finally starting to be seen by ordinary people, rather than just by her housemates. Vampire Mitchell has sworn off blood, determined to kick the habit. Even the neurotic and anxious George is in relatively good spirits, putting his monthly transformation into a rampaging werewolf to the back of his mind. But it’s not long before their supernatural conditions catch up with them. The vampire world won’t leave Mitchell alone, and George, who considers the house a sanctuary from his affliction promptly tears his new home to shreds on the first full moon. Annie is heart-broken all over again when their landlord, her fiancƒ© Owen, pays a visit and reminds her of everything that she lost by dying.

“Being Human” premieres Saturday, July 25 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Episode two

George is shocked when he meets another werewolf, Tully (Dean Lennox Kelly, Shameless). Tully is the opposite of George “" he’s perfectly content being a werewolf. He wants to teach George how to enjoy himself, but George just can’t accept what he’s become and is disgusted by Tully’s attitude. Unfortunately, Tully’s invited to stay at the house by Mitchell “" a failed attempt on his part to embrace the world and be more human. Of course, he soon becomes the housemate from hell.

Episode two premieres Saturday, August 1 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Episode three

Annie meets another ghost, Gilbert, a Smiths fan who died in the mid-1980s. He loves being a ghost, and let’s Annie know she’s stuck in limbo because there is something unresolved about her death. Meanwhile, a nurse George works with is clearly interested in being more than friends, but he does not think, considering his situation, that he should be in a relationship. But as the full moon gets closer, and George’s animalistic tendencies take hold, he becomes more impulsive “" and lusty.

Episode three premieres Saturday, August 8 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Episode four

Mitchell’s attempts to embrace humanity become even more intense when he befriends a 12-year-old boy, Bernie, and his divorced mom, Fleur, who live on the same street. The relationship reminds him of his own childhood, and what he’s become, and helps him to stay on the wagon. But things turn sour when Bernie is shocked to see a glimpse of Mitchell’s vampire existence. It’s not long before word gets around in the neighborhood, threatening to ruin the housemates’ desire for normality and acceptance. Meanwhile, Annie is traumatized by a shocking revelation about Owen. Her despair turns to anger when she learns Owen will be visiting the house to try and sort out the growing problems with the neighbors. Through her rage she discovers some powerful and uncontrollable skills. When confronted by Owen her fury develops into a lust for revenge.

Episode four premieres Saturday, August 15 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Episode five

The end of Mitchell’s friendship with Bernie has pushed him back towards the vampire fold.

He learns that the vampires are starting a mass conversion”"they will only feed from people who want to be vampires themselves. But the truth is much darker than Mitchell could have ever dreamed. Meanwhile, George is trying to hide his identity from his now-girlfriend, and Annie is crumbling in her attempts to avenge Owen, who still has a firm hold on her emotions.

Episode five premieres Saturday, August 22 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Episode six

Vampire Mitchell is in the hospital following an almost-fatal attack on his doorstep. Mitchell does not want his friends involved in the inevitable showdown with his lethal attackers, but Annie bravely decides that she cannot just stand by without doing anything. But George is faced with a huge dilemma. Should he try to help Mitchell or should he flee and try to start a normal life with his girlfriend? He has to choose between his friend and his lover. He knows Mitchell will need all the help he can get, but the lure of a normal human life is so strong.

Episode six premieres Saturday, August 29 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.